NEXT GEN youth deer hunt

Yes, all youth hunters are required to have a valid Maryland hunting license OR valid apprentice hunting license for the 2025-2026 season in order to participate. To apply, visit https://dnr.maryland.gov/nrp/pages/about-the-apprenticeship-hunting-license.aspx

If the attending parent/guardian is simply spectating with the hunter and guide, then no, they are not required to have a hunting license. However, if the parent/guardian is guiding their own child, then yes, a valid Maryland hunting license for the 2025-2026 season or valid Maryland Hunter Safety Certificate is required. 

Yes, if a parent/guardian wishes to be the volunteer guide for their own child they may do so. The parent/guardian must be 21 years of age or older and both the hunter and parent are required to submit the appropriate registration and liability waiver forms. Be sure to mark that the hunter does not need a guide on the registration form. The parent/guardian is required to have a valid Maryland hunting license for the 2025-2026 season or a valid Maryland Hunter Safety Certificate. 

Yes, if possible, we encourage all hunters, parents/guardians and guides to attend the short MEET-and-GREET which will be held on Saturday, November 8 at 1:00 pm. This gives everyone a chance to meet each other, exchange contact information and coordinate the meeting time and place for the morning of the hunt. 

Registration for each hunter is FREE. This is an outreach event hosted and funded by the NWTF Southern Maryland Chapter and our sponsors to allow the next generation of young outdoorsmen and women to experience the outdoors in a way they may not be able to regularly. 

Yes, it is preferred that each hunter brings and uses their own firearm and ammunition for the hunt. It must meet the requirements for the Maryland firearm season. Practicing before the event is encouraged to ensure the hunter is proficient with it. If the hunter does not have one available to them, we encourage you to ask friends or family to borrow one first. If you cannot obtain one, please mark it accordingly on your registration form and the coordinators and guides will do everything possible to provide one, however, this is not guaranteed. 

If you have a place of your own to hunt, that is great. If you do not, please mark it accordingly on your registration form and our coordinators will assign a place for you through our team of volunteers and landowners. It is important to attend the MEET-and-GREET so you can get the details of the location. 

The gathering will be held at 11:00am on Sunday, November 16, following the day of the hunt. There will be food, drinks, activities, giveaways, raffles and more. It also gives the hunters, guides, families and other members an opportunity to come together and share stories of their hunt. We highly recommend attending if possible. 

If you are assigned to a guide and farm, it is important to coordinate your meeting time and place with that guide prior to the hunt date. That information can be obtained at the MEET-and-GREET on November 8. If you cannot attend, please contact the coordinator to get the contact information of the guide. If you are guiding your own child on your property, you may plan your own day accordingly. 

Your clothing will be dependent on the weather conditions, which will need to be determined closer to the day of the hunt. Camouflage is encouraged, but not necessary. Some hunters will be in enclosed blinds and others may be in ladder stands or other devises. Dress accordingly based on temperature and precipitation. Layers are recommended, as it may be cooler in the morning than it is in the afternoon. Be mindful that you may get wet, dirty and possibly a little blood. 

Yes, safety is our number one priority so all hunters, guides and parents/guardians MUST wear blaze orange, in accordance with Maryland State Law. If you do not have a hat and vest available, please purchase it prior to the event or contact the coordinators for assistance. 

In some cases, the guides will be able to record the hunt, however, it is not required. We encourage parents/guardians to assist with video recording when possible to help preserve the memories. You can also send your videos to us afterward to be added to our NWTF NEXT GEN YouTube channel. 

Typically, guides will help with field dressing deer for successful hunters. However, it is the responsibility of the parents/guardians for processing of the meat. We can provide options for local butchers that the deer can be dropped off to for processing. The cost of processing is not included. 

A field tag is required to be attached to the deer immediately after the harvest, in accordance with Maryland State Law. However, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian and hunter to report your harvest through your Maryland DNR portal. The guide can assist with both if needed. ALL harvests must be legally field tagged and reported. NO EXCEPTIONS. 

Although this event is primarily focused on outreach to the youth hunters within our community, you do not need to be a Maryland State resident in order to participate. However, the hunter is still required to have a valid Maryland Non-Resident hunting license for the 2025-2026 season.